For years, Netanyahu built his political identity around the image of “Mr. Iran,” the leader who argued that only pressure, deterrence and force could stop the regime in Tehran. But, a long series of impressive tactical achievements ultimately led to a resounding strategic failure.
In an aging building at Tzrifin in central Israel, IDF engineers play with explosives in the morning and join troops in the field to test them by evening. At another hub in Caesarea, veterans of special forces units are developing technologies that can make a truck vanish from radar. This is what the race to find a solution to the new threat looks like.
The deal will grant legitimacy to the extremist regime in Tehran and prove that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps can survive even the immense pressure exerted by a global superpower. The resources that flow to the regime will enable it to rebuild its capabilities and, no less important, sell its citizens the very thing that drove them into the streets: hope for economic improvement.
The US president instructed his envoys not to rush toward signing a deal with Iran and made clear that the blockade would remain in force, but Jerusalem is deeply concerned about the draft memorandum of understanding taking shape. A senior Israeli official warned that signing the current document would end the fighting and deny Israel the ability to resume offensive operations. In the background: dramatic gaps between the sides over nuclear oversight and control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Residents of Rosh Hanikra describe life under a “ceasefire” marked by relentless fire and persistent anxiety. “There is a sense of uncertainty, insecurity and lack of trust,” residents say, warning: “If this continues, everyone will leave.”
